NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory EMP4 Concealed Carry Contour

by
posted on March 11, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Springfield Armory's 9 mm specific M1911 features a bi-tone arrangement of metals, and uses a stainless steel slide over an anodized and lightweight aluminum frame—hence the name Lightweight Champion Concealed Carry Contour. The flat mainspring housing tails off at the magazine well with a bobtail treatment to enhance its concealability.

For more about this feature-rich handgun from Springfield Armory, check out this week's video, hosted by American Rifleman's Joe Kurtenbach.

Manufacturer
: Springfield Armory
Model: EMP 4” Concealed Carry Contour (PI9229L)
Action: single-action, recoil-operated, semi-automatic center-fire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Slide: stainless steel
Frame: aluminum; black anodized finish
Stocks: G-10; black
Sights: three-dot, combat-style; red fiber-optic front
Barrel: 4”; stainless steel, six-groove 1:16” LH twist, match grade bull
Trigger: 5-lb. pull
Overall Length: 7.50”
Height: 5.50”
Slide Width: 0.92”
Grip Width: 1.15”
Weight: 31 ozs.
Magazine: nine-round detachable box
MSRP: $1,220

Additional Reading:
Tested: Springfield Armory EMP4 Concealed Carry Contour

Latest

Icarry DD H9 1
Icarry DD H9 1

I Carry: Daniel Defense H9 in an ANR Designs Holster

In our latest “I Carry” segment above, we’re taking a closer look at the Daniel Defense H9, a unique, striker-fired design that borrows popular features from several different handguns. 

A Surprising Conversation on Just How Far an Anti-Gun State Can Go

In Massachusetts this fall, ballot question 9 is an effort to repeal 2024 legislation known as “An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws,” a complex package of fees, red tape, training requirements, and other burdens placed on law-abiding gun owners. 

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 2, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Are Snub-Nose Revolvers Still Relevant?

In a world of micro-compact handguns, does the venerable snub-nose revolver still have a place? Here are four reasons why you might still consider carrying a snubby.

Behind Federal's 7 mm Backcountry Cartridge

In 2025, Federal Ammunition introduced its new 7 mm Backcountry cartridge, which operates at higher pressures than any previous commercial ammunition offering.

New for 2026: Beretta 94X Performance

The latest step in the evolution of Beretta's 90 series of handguns is the 94X Performance, a handgun that the company calls “the ultimate evolution of the Beretta competition pistol for IPSC and USPSA.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.